Bastard Swordsman

An Incomplete Sword

Compared to a short sword, it was somewhat longer, making it difficult to handle intricately.

When compared to a longsword, its reach felt somewhat lacking, often proving disadvantageous in a fight.

The bastard sword was a weapon with a middling length.

In my previous life, there was a saying, "too short for a belt, too long for a sash", and this weapon fits that description perfectly.

Nonetheless, it is still a sword, so it's not as if it's never used at all. However, I've never heard of it being a part of any specific swordsmanship school. At the very least, it was never adopted by the military.

Despite this, I have grown fond of this sword with its rather incomplete length.

The awkward handling and short reach can be compromised if needed. If one turns a blind eye to the drawbacks of being a jack-of-all-trades, it can be used in a way that combines the features of both large and small swords.

I encountered my beloved bastard sword in a shabby weapon shop.

It was roughly thrown into a basket near the store entrance, and I bought it because it was inexpensive.

At the time, it didn't come with a proper sheath, and I had to make do with a lot myself, which means it wasn't quite as cheap as a bargain could be called. But looking back now, it was a good memory.

「Alright then.」

「Gugh.」

The bastard sword swung, cutting deep into the goblin's chest.

That made it the third one. There was one left whose leg I had slashed, so it would soon bleed to death.

「Grrr...」

「Sorry, nothing personal. Just die for my paycheck.」

The task was to exterminate a band of stray goblins that had appeared in the suburbs.

The somewhat larger goblin, presumably the stray leader, lay somewhere around here as well. There might be other squads elsewhere, but once the leader was dead, the task was essentially complete.

In this world, even ordinary villagers involved in farming could kill off goblins by themselves.

「Namu Amida Butsu.」

I pierced the last goblin with the bastard sword, putting an end to its life.

Afterward, I cut off the stinking noses of the goblins and stuffed them into a bag. This was the proof of extermination. Every time I do it, I wonder why it's not the ears. Goblin noses are unbearably smelly...

「Ew, it's got snot on it.」

I stabbed the now dirty bastard sword once again into the goblin's heart to wash it with blood. Given the choice between snot and blood, I chose blood any day; that's how much I disliked their snot.

I'd have to wash it by the river later, but it's my beloved sword, after all.

「... Phew. With this, I've earned my contribution points for this month. Let's just collect some herbs on the way back.」

I then gathered some wild herbs and medicinal plants that looked like they could fetch a good price and washed my gear by the river before heading back.

The journey took roughly two hours on foot, which was by no means a light trek, but in this world, it was still considered a local trip.

I've gotten used to this feeling; I might be somewhat adapting to this world.

「Extermination of the stray goblins in the suburbs, correct? Here's the exchange slip for the parts... Yes, verified. Four including the leader would give it an A rating with no issues. Well done, Mongrel-san.」

「Thank you.」

Returning to the guild, I exchanged the goblin parts for a slip at the processing area and submitted it to the reception.

What I received was a small reward and contribution points. The contribution points were my main goal for this mission.

Guild missions included both profit-generating ones and those which did not. Exterminating goblins was a prime example of a non-profitable job. However, if a job were merely non-profitable, no one would do it, so it was set up to increase guild contribution points easily.

Guild members like me could accrue various benefits and privileges by earning these contribution points. More than anything, by amassing contribution points regularly, I avoid being dragged into high-risk large-scale operations that occasionally arise, which is crucial if one wants to live longer.

「Four goblins exterminated solo, Mongrel-san? Isn't it about time you took the promotion exam?」

「No way. I'd just get scarier assignments.」

The guild folks, including the reception girl, always hinted at promoting me every now and then.

Currently, I'm at Bronze. Advancing to Silver would mean access to more lucrative jobs, which had its perks.

Yet, it would also come with its own headaches. The missions get riskier, and there are more cumbersome duties involved.

Living leisurely is best when I retain the status of Bronze.

「... Well, I won't force you. Heading to the tavern after this?」

「Of course. Want to join me, Mylene-san? I'll treat you to a drink.」

「I still have work to do.」

「Such a cold response.」

My face was average, my work was done haphazardly, and I lacked any ambition to get ahead.

There weren't many women who'd be interested in a man like that. Especially not a guild receptionist, who's considered an elite occupation in the town.

However, being rejected each time also formed its own secure ritual.

「Alright, time to drink!」

「Hey, Mongrel, finished for the day?」

「Ah, Balger, just gathered some contribution points. Took down some goblins lightly.」

「A job well done. Same place as always? Let's have a drink.」

「Not treating you.」

「Never expected it. I'll pay for myself.」

This middle-aged man with unremarkable facial hair was Balger.

He was a guild member wielding the equally unremarkable combination of a small shield and a short spear.

Yet, despite his dull appearance, his skills were top-notch, and he maintained a solid reputation as a veteran mid-tier Silver by fighting in a discreet... reliable manner.

In the beginning, I learned the basics from Balger and owed him a lot. In this world, he's akin to an older brother to me.

Nowadays, we meet occasionally and go drinking together, bonded by being bachelors without much success.

「What's up, Mongrel? You're still using that bastard sword.」

「What's wrong with it? I plan to use it until it breaks.」

「Not saying it's bad, but it's heavy for one hand and too light for both. Isn't it hard to use?」

「I'm used to it by now, doesn't bother me. I quite like its halfway nature and all.」

「What's that even mean?」

Well then, let's go win today with some beer and skewers.

What should I do for work tomorrow?

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=【ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌ )】